The U.S. women’s soccer team faced intense heat in their final exhibition match before the Paris Olympics, ending in a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica on Tuesday night. The game, played in sweltering conditions at Washington’s Audi Field, was only the second time since 2015 that the U.S. did not win their last game before a major tournament.
Defender Casey Krueger noted the extreme weather conditions: “The last two games have been insane… If we can play in this, it gives us confidence going into France, for sure.” The match kicked off at 98 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Celsius) after Washington tied its hottest day on record at 104 degrees (40C) earlier in the day. Temperatures were still in the mid-90s by the time the game concluded.
Coach Emma Hayes saw the conditions as a valuable test for her players, anticipating similar heat during their upcoming games in Marseilles. Hayes commented, “It’s perfect preparation. It’s pretty hot down there, so this is a great opportunity for us to experience what we’re going to face.” The heat also led to a precautionary decision to scratch Rose Lavelle from the lineup due to leg tightness during warmups, ensuring she remains fit for the Olympics.
Despite dominating possession and generating numerous scoring opportunities, the U.S. team was unable to find the back of the net, largely due to the impressive performance of Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Noelia Bermúdez. The Americans had 26 shots, with 12 on target, but were repeatedly denied. Costa Rica, which did not qualify for the Olympics, managed only two attempts without any shots on goal.
Following the match, the U.S. team participated in a send-off ceremony and prepared for their flight to Paris. They will open their Olympic campaign on July 25 against Zambia in Nice, followed by group stage matches against Germany in Marseille on July 28 and Australia on July 31. Reflecting on the team’s performance, captain Lindsey Horan remained optimistic: “We’re going to keep working, and I know these opportunities are going to come and we’re going to finish them off come the next game.”
With a mostly young and inexperienced roster, Hayes used the match to give as many players as possible some game time, making multiple substitutions throughout the game. The team aims to improve on their bronze medal finish from the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
